Includes bibliographical references and index.

Socioeconomics, gender inequality and female disadvantage : an overview -- Economic theories of the family and gender inequality -- Sex ratios, sex selection and the value of females -- Prejudice against female children : theory and survey findings from eastern India -- Gender inequality indices of the UN and their application to Asian countries -- Determinants of the intra-family status of wives : theory and a study in West Bengal -- Poverty and economically deprived women and children : their interdependence and policy -- The possession of and access to capital : its implications for gender inequality -- Human resource capital, gender inequality and sustainable development -- Ecofeminism and support for sustainable development and conservation -- Work and gender inequalities in selected Asian countries -- The abuse of women by men -- Insights based on field notes compiled in eastern India: tribals, gender issues and village life -- References.